Talk of intolerance only ‘tolerated’ in India, says Subramaniam

People could talk about intolerance in the country only because of the atmosphere of tolerance prevailing here, said Mr Subramaniam while speaking at a meet-the-press programme organised by Thiruvananthapuram Press Club on Saturday.

Mr Subramaniam is in the city along with his singer-wife Kavitha Krishnamurthi to perform at the Lakshminarayana Global Music Festival.

He said it was not proper to call a country intolerant taking into consideration one or two isolated instances. “The country has a history of tolerating several attacks in the past. This is itself a proof of the great tolerance the country practiced,” he said.

“Anybody could speak against anyone, and it can be broadcast and published in newspapers. It showed the tolerance of the country. I have performed in some countries where people have disappeared for saying one word.”

While reacting to the cancellation of Pakis-tani singer Ghulam Ali's concerts in the country, he said Ali was one of his friends, and he had performed several times here before.

While reacting to actor Aamir Khan’s controversial statement, he said everybody had the right to express their views.

Mr Subramaniam exp-ressed his willingness to open a music academy in the sate if he received enough support.

He hailed the state for producing a composer like Swathi Thirunal and painter Raja Ravi Varma. “The state has a great pool of talent. I hope the state will become 100 per cent literate in terms of arts and culture,” he said.

Supporting her husband, Ms Krishnam-urthi said the state was the most beautiful and tolerant in the country.

Hungarian violinist Roby Lakatos, cimbalom expert Jeno Lisztes, SBT MD Jeevandas Narayan and chief general manager S. Adikesavan, were also present.